Summer with preschoolers can be a delightful whirlwind of energy, curiosity, and endless “Why?” questions. Instead of letting the unstructured days lead to chaos (or constant screen time!), embracing a weekly theme can transform your home into a hub of directed play, learning, and memorable family adventures. It’s an easy way to keep those busy little minds engaged and turn everyday moments into exciting discoveries. Get ready for a summer of laughter, creativity, physical activity and perhaps a few glitter explosions! Check out this list of theme ideas, and where I would take my kiddos for a fun and memorable “field trip” on theme!
Dinosaurs Week
- Dino Kidz Allen or Castle Hills
- Dino Land at Thrush Park, Flower Mound
- Perot Museum or Nature & Science
Splash Week
- check out my list of splash pads!
Beach Week
- Plan this during your scheduled beach vacay if you have one and incorporate your natural surroundings into fun learning opportunities
- sorting shells
- counting shells or sand castles
- scavenger hunts
- water color shell painting
- Little Elm Beach
Bugs
Sharks
- Special scheduled viewings in forts/home theater of Shark Week
- SeaLife
- Dallas World Aquarium
Zoo
Farm
- Plano Heritage Farmstead
- Play Street Museum– McKinney, TX
Transportation/Wheels/Construction
- Play Street Museum– Allen, TX
Sports
Fruits
Americana/Red, White & Boom
- fireworks! (Post coming soon with updated Fireworks shows, here is one from last year!)
- Do ALL the fun crafts! Pinterest is your friend here.
Cooking
Back to School
- Supply Shopping
- Clothes shopping
- Pro Tip: I inventory and clean out the closet first, and make a list with them. 3-5 new outfits, a pair of shoes, an accessory or two, and then whichever staples their closet needs socks, undies, tumble shorts, etc. Then plan to take kids individually to a store that has most of what they need and pick the items together. My favorites are typically Old Navy, Target and Marshall’s
- Hair cuts
- We love Sharkey’s
- At home mani/pedis
Here’s a general idea of what our schedule will look like!
7:00-8:00am Wake Up Routine & Hygiene
8:30-9:00am Breakfast
9:00am-10:30am Move Your Body/Outdoor Play Time/Walk
10:30-11:00am Snack
11:00am-12:30pm Independent Play/ Themed Learning/Field Trip
12:30-1:00pm Lunch
1:00-2:30 Quiet Time/Nap
2:30-3:00pm Snack
3:00-4:00pm Chores
4:00-5:30pm TV/ Dinner Prep
5:30-6:15pm Dinner
6:15-7:00pm Bath & Bed Routine
7:00-7:30 Reading until Lights Out
Hope you have a smooth, memorable and happy summer!